Today, we sat down with Hellaphant to talk inspiration to write music, their love of James Hetfield (we love him too!), and advice for musicians! Be sure to check out the music of Hellaphant below on Spotify after the interview.

Interview:

What is your inspiration to write your music? Is it your
surroundings?

I write the music as it comes to me.  Usually just experimenting or practicing.  Some days it comes out if the blue and others it’s just not there.  The lyrics are usually based on life.

What type of music did you listen to growing up?

For me it started early with the Beatles, BadFinger, Tom Waits (parents were into music) as I git older I was drawn to the edgier sounds.  KISS, The Who, Thin Lizzy, and then Iron Maiden, Metallica, Punk and so cal skate punk. 

Is there someone you looked up as a hero?

I was always a big fan of Jaymz Hetfield.  He was relentless in his playing and i really connected to the emotion and drive he put into music. I was really stoked when I got to meet him and found he was a super nice person as well.  

If you weren’t a musician, would you be doing today?

Carpenter i used to be one but fell out if love with it but if it was an option I’d do it again.  

What advice do you have for our fans out there that want to create
music? 

Don’t listen to critics, keep an open mind on music as every genre has something to teach (wether it is structure or hooks etc  and practice.  Practice enough to be good and love playing but not so much that you don’t like playing.

🙂

Music: